The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #35003   Message #476621
Posted By: Patrish(inactive)
05-Jun-01 - 05:07 AM
Thread Name: BS: You were born where?
Subject: RE: BS: You were born where?
No not in 'ull
I was born in Harare, Zimbawe, but to scottish parents. I have traced my family tree through my mother and found that my roots are on the Orkney Island of Shapinsay. I have cousins all over the world! But the interesting bit is that I am a Viking! (perhaps I should dye my hair red and call myself brunhilda) You're not alone Eric!
See below:

My Great Gran was a "Swanney" and member of the Gunn clan

The Swanney name to originates from the Vikings. The clan Gunn lists the surnames Swan, Swann, Swanney, and Swanson as families associated to the clan. The origin of these names came from one man named Sweyn Asliefson. He was the son of Olaf of Gairsay, who was the son of Rolf, a Viking. Sweyn (referred to as "The Ultimate Viking" or "The Pirate of Freswick") lived during the 1100's in the Orkney Islands and around the north-eastern tip of Scotland (Caithness). He died in 1171 while he was on a "viking" in Ireland. Sweyn married Ragnhild and had two sons, Olaf and Andres. Andres married Frida and had a son named Gunni, who is considered to be the progenitor of the clan Gunn.